Student Rights Advocates (SRA) works to protect student
rights and ensure excellence in public education, particularly for those
children who have special needs. Co-founder Debbie Papaj talks about her work
and who might benefit from having an advocate on their side.

SN: Debbie, can you explain a bit about the work that you
do? Who comes to you for help?

Merrill Lynch has developed a financial calculator
exclusively designed for families of children with special needs. This tool
helps families structure their finances by factoring the costs of assistive
equipment for homes, such as wheelchair ramps, roll-in showers, and adapted
vehicles for transport. The calculator also considers a child’s ongoing needs,
including replacement costs for equipment, physical therapy and even travel
expenses for medical care.

Dr. R. Layla Salek knows
firsthand the financial strain that families experience when struggling to help
a loved one with mental illness or autism. As the daughter of a mother
diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Dr. Salek ‘s passion for working with children
with mental illness started very young. She has also worked with children with
autism spectrum disorders since 2001.

When a parent of a special needs child becomes increasingly frustrated, experiencing roadblocks in their efforts to intercede with their child’s school to access educational supports and services for their child, a consultation with a Special Education Advocate should be considered.

When a parent of a special needs child becomes increasingly
frustrated, experiencing roadblocks in their efforts to intercede with
their child’s school to access educational supports and services for
their child, a consultation with a special education advocate should be
considered.